Is voter fraud a problem in the US?

Short answer: Voter fraud exists in the U.S., but the best available evidence shows it is rare and not systemic. Most elections see isolated cases that are investigated and, when proven, prosecuted or remedied.

What the data show

•In-person voter impersonation (the kind photo-ID laws target) is exceptionally uncommon: one study found 31 credible cases out of roughly 1 billion ballots cast from 2000–2014.[1]

•In mail voting, officials in three vote‑by‑mail states flagged about 372 possible cases (double voting or voting for the deceased) out of 14.6 million mail ballots in 2016 and 2018—about 0.0025%.[2]

•Multiple independent reviews conclude most “fraud” allegations stem from clerical mistakes or confusion, not intentional schemes.[3]

Confirmed cases do occur—usually small and local

•North Carolina’s 2018 Ninth Congressional District race was voided and re‑run after the state board found a coordinated absentee‑ballot scheme.[4]

•In Paterson, New Jersey, a 2020 city council race was invalidated and re‑run over mail‑ballot tampering allegations and charges.[5]

Safeguards and audits

•Since 2020, states have expanded post‑election audits; as of April 30, 2026, every state has some form of post‑election audit in law, and seven require statistically rigorous risk‑limiting audits.[6]

•Security officials from CISA, the EAC, and state election organizations called the November 3, 2020 election the “most secure in American history,” and states like Georgia confirmed outcomes with full hand counts.[7]

Legal context

•Non‑citizen voting in federal elections is a crime under 18 U.S.C. § 611, and states also prohibit it. Proven instances are uncommon relative to total votes.[8]

Bottom line: The U.S. does experience individual fraud cases, but large‑scale, outcome‑changing voter fraud is not supported by the evidence. If you’re curious about any particular state, election year, or type of allegation, I can pull the most relevant findings.

Citations (8)

1washingtonpost.comNews and mediaquality 0.82
A comprehensive investigation of voter impersonation finds 31 credible incidents out of one billion ballots cast - The Washington Post
Backs: “In-person voter impersonation (the kind photo-ID laws target) is exceptionally uncommon: one study found 31 credible cases out of roughly 1 billion ballots cast from 2000–2014.”
2washingtonpost.comNews and mediaquality 0.82
The truth about election fraud: It’s rare - The Washington Post
Backs: “In mail voting, officials in three vote‑by‑mail states flagged about 372 possible cases (double voting or voting for the deceased) out of 14.6 million mail ballots in 2016 and 2018—about 0.0025%.”
3brennancenter.orgNonprofits and think tanks
The Myth of Voter Fraud | Brennan Center for Justice
Backs: “Multiple independent reviews conclude most “fraud” allegations stem from clerical mistakes or confusion, not intentional schemes.”
4ncsbe.govGovernment
State Board unanimously orders new election in 9th Congressional District | NCSBE
Backs: “North Carolina’s 2018 Ninth Congressional District race was voided and re‑run after the state board found a coordinated absentee‑ballot scheme.”
5washingtonpost.comNews and mediaquality 0.82
New election ordered in race marred by voter fraud charges - The Washington Post
Backs: “In Paterson, New Jersey, a 2020 city council race was invalidated and re‑run over mail‑ballot tampering allegations and charges.”
6ncsl.orgNonprofits and think tanks
Every State Has Now Enacted a Post-Election Audit Law -...
Backs: “Since 2020, states have expanded post‑election audits; as of April 30, 2026, every state has some form of post‑election audit in law, and seven require statistically rigorous risk‑limiting audits.”
7squarespace.comCompanies
Joint Statement from Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council and Sector Coordinating Council Executive Committees — NASED
Backs: “Security officials from CISA, the EAC, and state election organizations called the November 3, 2020 election the “most secure in American history,” and states like Georgia confirmed outcomes with full hand counts.”
8govinfo.govGovernment
U.S.C. Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Backs: “Non‑citizen voting in federal elections is a crime under 18 U.S.C. § 611, and states also prohibit it. Proven instances are uncommon relative to total votes.”